I'm leaving for Surf Expo in Orlando Wednesday, September 5th and come back on Monday the 10th. I'll be meeting with current and future suppliers, friends and looking at new opportunities. Surf Expo is the worlds largest water sports trade show with tons of great product to see.

If anyone is interested in any particular gear, let me know and I can do some recon for you.

hey Bob. I'm particularly interested in what's the latest about boots. I'm tired of damn laces and thinking my next pair will definitely be velcro. Just want a CT that fits my foot perfectly that I can tighten right down. I hope you're not going to behave down there Chur, Brian

Perfect timing. I just got home tonight from Orlando. Great show and a lot of really cool products or 2013.

Regarding boots, I checked out a lot of companies and very few had any CT easy to get in and out boots. Most close toe were also lace up. Slingshot was one of the few that had velcro that is easier to get in and out.

I'm not sure that I agree that easy on and off is best. I used to think the same at the start too, but started to realize that these factors actually impede the most important consideration which is response. for this you need a boot that is comfortable and tight fitting. It's easy to make this consideration when thinking about safety, but really there are many other things that you can do like i) conditions you choose to go out in ii) taking your time before/after/during your session.